State House has reacted to the Catholic Church’s decision to decline President William Ruto’s donation to the Soweto Catholic Church. Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo (left) and President William Ruto (right). Why Catholic church rejected William Ruto’s donation In a statement on Monday, November 18, Anyolo cited the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) directives that discourage political donations to churches and use church events for political self-promotion.
Nairobi Archdiocese said it would refund Governor Johnson Sakaja’s KSh 200,000 donation and Ruto’s KSh 2.6 million donation. Anyolo further stated that the church would not accept the pledge KSh 3 million and a parish bus made by the president. “Consequently, the donations made to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, November 17, are in violation of these directives and the law.
These include the Governor of Nairobi’s donation of KSh of 200,000 to the parish choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC), the president’s donation of KSh 600,000 to the choir and PMC and KSh 2 million for the construction of the father’s house. These funds will be refunded to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional KSh 3 million for the construction of the father’s house , as well as the donation of a parish bus by the president are hereby declined,” the statement added.
State House speaks on Catholic church’s refund However, speaking to Citizen TV, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said Ruto’s KSh. 2.6 million donation is yet to be received, despite the announcement of a refund by the Catholic church. “By the end of the day, we have not received any money back,” Hussein said.
by Amos Khaemba
